Celia Burnham - PGCE Primary (Early Years) graduate

Celia gained the necessary skills during her studies at Plymouth to effectively enter the job market and succeed in her first teaching post

Current Employer: St Cleer Primary School

Current Job Title: Teacher (Year 1 and 2)

Current Location: Cornwall

“I would recommend Plymouth University because it has a very supportive learning environment and gives you a thorough grounding in the skills you will need to succeed in the job market.”

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

I started off as a mixed reception/year one teacher for my first three years of teaching. I gradually gained more experience and started to take on other roles such as ICT co-ordinator, interventions, and key stage one science. I have now taught year one/two for the last two years.

What is the most difficult thing which you have faced in your career?

The most difficult thing I’ve faced to date has been juggling two curriculums in a mixed-age class: reception EYFS and national curriculum in one class.

What is the best, most exciting or fun thing that you have done in your career?

The best thing I’ve done so far has to be participating in an exchange with a school in Germany: we went for a four day stay in a German school and seeing how children reacted to experience of schooling a different country was a thought-provoking experience. Equally, working on a major production which involved the whole school in a performance we put on at Sterts Theatre. This was a great success and seeing how it brought the community together and stirred the children's imagination was a great experience and a good reminder of what teaching is all about.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to get in to the same line of work?

In teaching, it is sometimes difficult to keep a balance between work and an enjoyable home life. You have to learn to be able to switch off and give yourself time to enjoy other things!

How has a degree from Plymouth University influenced your career?

A degree from Plymouth University has enabled me to do what I’ve always wanted by providing me with the right skills to achieve it.

Would you recommend undertaking a course with Plymouth University, and why?

I would recommend Plymouth University because it has a very supportive learning environment and gives you a thorough grounding in the skills you will need to succeed in the job market.

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For more information about studying PGCE Primary (Early Years), please visit our PGCE Primary (Early Years) page. For more information about our range of courses within the Plymouth Institute of Education, please visit the school page.